The Gauteng coast? Three new beaches coming to South Africa [photos]
Let’s just say we’ve got some very big plans for when we’re allowed out of the house again. In the past year or so, a number of new developments in Gauteng have led to a mini-surge in the number of clearwater lagoons being installed. Or, in laymen’s terms, complexes with beaches built into them.
Lagoons, beaches and artificial coasts in Gauteng
The very notion of an inland beach is an oxymoron. But there are no fools involved with these multi-billion rand projects. Balwin Properties are the main driving force behind a majority of these new lagoons. And, it would seem that there are even more ‘landlocked beaches’ comes to Mzansi:
Balwin have concluded an exclusivity agreement with Crystal Lagoons for South Africa and will develop freshwater lagoons in other strategic locations, such as Dolphin Coast, the Western Cape and Mbombela. But, for now, our focus is on Gauteng: Here’s what you need to know.
New beaches coming to Gauteng:
Pretoria
Pretoria’s new ‘beach’ and residential complex provides an unusual oasis for residents of The Blyde. The project, which was spearheaded in partnership with Crystal Lagoons in 2016, cost an estimated R4.2 billion to construct and is only accessible to residents of The Blyde.
While The Blyde’s lagoon is definitely the main attraction, other facilities include a restaurant, gym, spa, concierge, laundromat, and multi-purpose sports fields. Residents can enjoy swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding and sailing on the lagoon. The facility opened in September 2018.
Fourways
The Steyn City Clearwater Lagoon, located near Fourways, is a 300-metre long facility that’s entirely chemical-free. Much like the Blyde Lagoon in Pretoria, these waters provide a beach setting in the middle of a landlocked city. According to SA Property Insider, there are countless activities for visitors to “the best beach in Johannesburg”.
The beach is the jewel in the crown of Douw Steyn’s “Vision 2020” plan. The group are ploughing another R5.5 billion into their manufactured city from next year, in a bid to get more South Africans to set up shop in the vibrant location. Phase 1 is set for its official launch by the end of 2020.
Midrand
Munyaka development will be the “largest crystal clear lagoon in the southern hemisphere. The project will cost approximately R9 billion and is situated Waterfall, Midrand in Johannesburg. Construction of the lagoon, boundary wall, gatehouse, lifestyle centre and show apartment block has already begun, and apartments have just gone up for sale.
The lagoon at Munyaka will feature a landmark 50-m-high tower with amenities including a 50-seater restaurant and conference facility with a view of the Johannesburg skyline; as well as zip-lining from the tower into the lagoon and a heated pool, fed by the lagoon.
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